IOM3 Awards

The Institute presents a range of Awards, Medals and Prizes to recognise personal achievement, for published work and for contributions to the profession. Awards are presented at special occasions throughout the year, and some of our award winners deliver lectures to which all members are invited.

Nominations for most of our awards are invited in the autumn, with a deadline towards the end of November. Please visit the Nominations page for detailed information.

The awards listed on this page are divided into the following categories:

Medals and Prizes for Personal Achievement

Tom Bell Surface Engineering Medal

In recognition of excellence and outstanding contribution of an individual in surface engineering, awarded on even years. The award winner will also be invited to deliver the Institute's prestigious Harold Moore Memorial Lecture in the intervening year.

Bessemer Gold Medal

For outstanding services to the steel industry. To the inventor or designer of any significant innovation in the process employed in the manufacture of steel, or for innovation in the use of steel in the manufacturing industry or the economy generally. For published work embodying the results of original research on the production of steel and results that have significant potential for economic benefit. For contribution to the development of the steel industry and its importance to the economy nationally and internationally. It is expected that the recipient will prepare and deliver the Bessemer Lecture.

Sir Andrew Bryan Medal

For sustained and outstanding contributions to the Institute and its technical activities.

Chapman Medal

Presented for distinguished research in the field of biomedical materials, particularly with respect to biomaterials innovation, which has produced benefits for patients and/or contributed to associated opportunities for industry. Nominations for the Chapman Medal will be made in particular by the Biomedical Applications Division but any individual can also make nominations by the standard procedure.

Tom Colclough Medal and Prize

In recognition of learned contribution to understanding microstructure, mechanical properties, fabricability or in-service performance, production or engineering connected with the iron and steel industry. Prize value £300.

Sir Colin Humphreys Education Award

This Award recognises the contribution made to enhancing students' scientific/technological literacy through the teaching or support of materials, minerals or mining topics within 11-19 learning, either in the secondary or further education sectors.To assist the judges in their deliberations it would be helpful if the citation could be written under the following headings:

What is the nominee expected to do as part of their normal role and in what environment are they working (for example, HE, FE, state secondary school or independent secondary school)?

What has the nominee done above and beyond their normal role?

How has the nominee shared best practice with their colleagues?

Nominees should also demonstrate evidence of sustained effort over a period of time. Nominations are open to members and non-members, and require a statement of achievements. The winner will receive a medal.

Colwyn Medal

To an individual for outstanding services to the rubber industry of a scientific, technical or engineering character. It is expected that the recipient will prepare and deliver the Rubber Foundation Lecture. Given alternate (odd) years with Hancock Medal. Not available in even years.

Dowding Medal and Prize

In recognition of professional contribution to the invention, development, design or technical operation of metallurgical plant, particularly rolling and finishing, leading to improved economy, yield or quality in metal production. Prize value £300.

Medal for Excellence

For conspicuous contribution, either during the year or cumulatively over a number of years, to the art, science and practise of the mining industry. The recipient may be an individual or an organisation.

Frank Fitzgerald Medal and Travel Award

To be awarded to a Member (under 35 years old) of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining who is active in the field of iron and steel, and who has demonstrated excellence in, and commitment to, continuing professional development in the form of depth or breadth of technical knowledge, or in a personal contribution to promoting the profession.

Nominees or applicants will need to provide a full CV, a statement of how they would use the travel scholarship, and the name of a referee who would support their application. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. The prize will be a medal and a travel scholarship (value £1,500).

The Frank Paine Packaging Award

For outstanding contribution to the Packaging community on a global basis. The award is open to Members and non-Members. Given alternate (even) years, the recipient will be providing a lecture on packaging innovations to an audience of young packaging professionals in the intervening years. The winner will receive a medal.

Harvey Flower Titanium Prize

Offered by the Titanium Information Group (part of the Institute's Light Metals Division), established researchers and materials engineers in the field. The winning entry will, in the opinion of the judges, contribute most constructively to:

an improved understanding of titanium metallurgy or alloy development

a new application for titanium or titanium alloys

a significant extension of the use of titanium

enhancement of the performance of titanium in an existing application

any other scientific or technological innovation or improvement in connection with the production, processing and use of titanium and its alloys.

Prize value of £500

Futers Gold Medal

For outstanding services to the international minerals industry. Open to Institute members and non-members.

Gold Medal

A premier award presented to a company, team or individual who has made a significant contribution to the industrial application of materials.

Griffith (A A Griffith) Medal and Prize

In recognition of distinguished work that has made or is making a notable contribution to any branch of materials science. Prize value £300.

Grunfeld (Dr Paul Grunfeld) Memorial Award and Medal

In recognition of professional contribution that has had significant influence on the engineering application of components made from any alloys in the metallurgical industries. This prize is for people in early to mid-career. Award value £750 to further the recipient's career.

Hadfield (Sir Robert Hadfield) Medal and Prize

In recognition of distinguished work in relation to metallurgical practice, process development, product development, metallurgical understanding or design engineering application of all types of steel This medal can also be awarded in recognition of an exceptional contribution to operational or business management within the steel industry and its value chain. Prize value £300.

Hancock Medal

To an individual for outstanding service to the rubber industry. Open only to members of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. Given alternate (even) years with the Colwyn Medal.

John Hunt Medal

To an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the science and/or technology of casting and solidification of metals. The award recognises the lifetime contribution of Professor John Hunt FRS and is supported through the General Research Institute of Non-ferrous Metals (GRINM) in Beijing.

Roy T Holland Medal and Prize

In recognition of meritorious service in manufacture and technology within the traditional ceramics industry. Prize ceramic plaque.

Leslie Holliday Prize

In recognition of a significant or technological contribution relating to any type of composite material. Prize value £300.

Institute's International Medal

For a member resident outside the UK for the best paper presented at an Institute symposium, or published or for notable contribution to the development of the Institute overseas.

Institute's Technician Medal

A special award to recognise an outstanding workplace contribution of a Technician or Incorporated Engineer member over a period not less than ten years. The award is appropriate to all Institute communities.

Ivor Jenkins Medal

In recognition of a significant contribution that has enhanced the scientific, industrial or technological understanding of materials processing or component production using particulate materials. Significant contribution in management in the particulate engineering field will also be recognised by this award.

Kroll Medal and Prize

In recognition of significant contribution that has enhanced the scientific understanding of materials chemistry as applied to the industrial production of materials, normally inorganic. Prize value £300.

T B Marsden Professional Medal

A premier award in recognition of services to the profession or to the Institute, its objectives and organisation over a period of not less than 20 years by a member who has not been recognised by the Institute in other ways. Prize value £600.

Outstanding Contribution Awards

For members who have made a prolonged and major contribution to the Institute's core activity. Such contribution should not relate to local society activity and the awards will be made to members not previously recognised by the Institute. Up to three awards (certificates) will be presented annually.

Outstanding Service Awards

Awarded by the Local Affairs Board, in recognition of achievement and commitment which has not previously been acknowledged elsewhere. The awards recognise significant contributions to the Institute made through a local group, affiliated local society or branch, and the recipient will normally be an Institute member who has held a position as an officer of a local committee for at least eight years.

Robert Perrin Medal

To recognise an outstanding and sustained commitment, from an individual working in university or industry, to outreach activity covering Materials Science and Technology and targeted at 11-19 year old students. The winner will receive a medal.The award is supported jointly with the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers.

Prince Philip Award

For polymers in the service of mankind. Awarded not more than once every two years, not less than once every five years. Instituted to commemorate the presentation of the first Honorary Fellowship of the PRI to HRH the Duke of Edinburgh on 22 May 1973. International, open to members and non-members, individuals, companies, partnerships, associations, societies and academic institutions. Names and addresses of two independent referees required. Last awarded 2015.

Platinum Medal

A premier award in recognition of outstanding contributions to materials science, technology and industry, nationally or internationally.

Rosenhain Medal and Prize

In recognition of distinguished achievement in any branch of materials science, preference being given to candidates under the age of 40. Prize value £300.

Hume-Rothery Prize

In recognition of distinguished achievements concerned with phase relationships in metallic materials or non-metallic materials of metallurgical interest.

Rowbotham Medal

An annual award to recognise an outstanding contribution by a young person or a team of young people to the development or innovative use of materials for automotive applications.

Silver Medal

A premier award presented annually to a Younger Member (normally under the age of 35) in recognition of an outstanding contribution to a field of interest within the Materials, Minerals or Mining sector. In addition to their contribution, nominees are expected to have promoted their subject on a national/international basis as well as supporting those in the early stages of their careers.

Stokowiec Medal and Prize

In recognition of distinguished work related to the technical, manufacturing, processing or engineering application of alloy steels, including stainless steels. Prize value £300.

Swinburne Medal and Prize

To recognise the achievement of a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement and knowledge of any field related to the science, engineering or technology of plastics. It is a requirement of acceptance that the recipient shall prepare and deliver the Swinburne Lecture on an occasion selected by the Institute. Award consists of a gold medal and £250 honorarium. Awarded alternate (even) years.

Thomas (Sidney Gilchrist) Medal and Prize

In recognition of scientific or technological contribution to the production or secondary processing of any ferrous alloy. Prize value £300.

Thornton Medal (incorporating the Clerk Maxwell Award)

To a speaker invited to present at either an Institute conference or other specially convened meeting.

Verulam Medal and Prize

In recognition of distinguished contributions to ceramics including refractories. Prize value £300.

Local Society of the Year Award

This award is presented to a local society whose overall performance has been judged to be the most improved of the year. It is judged on three main criteria: membership, communication and events, with the emphasis on year on year improvement, and taking into account specific activities that promote Institute membership, The Member's Benevolent Trust and Young Person's Lecture Competition local heat organisation.The award is provided in two categories, for small and large societies. Societies nominate themselves. The Local Affairs Board will make recommendations and the winning recipients will receive a trophy and £1,000 to spend on an event of their choice.

Awards for Published Work

Awards for published work span the whole field of materials production, processing, structure, properties and applications and their inter-relationships. They cover scientific and technological aspects of the spectrum of material types including biomaterials and electronic materials. The awards are made for publications of particular merit, in the form of papers, or groups of papers, published by the Institute in journals within a two-year period preceding the year of the awards.

A particular emphasis of the awards is to recognise and encourage the achievements of scientists and technologists in the early stages of their careers in industry or in university or research organisations. However, publications by more senior workers are also eligible for consideration.Unless otherwise indicated (ie for specific medals and prizes for published work), the prize is £450 per award (divided equally between the authors).

Wardell Armstrong Prize

For the best paper published in Transactions B: Applied Earth Science. Based on recommendations received from the Transactions editorial boards.

Guy Bengough Award

For a paper published by the Institute that makes an outstanding contribution to the subject of corrosion and degradation of all types of materials and their control.

Billiton Gold Medal

For the best paper published in IMM Transactions C: Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy. Based on recommendations received from the Transactions editorial boards. Medal to lead author and certificate to each author.

Composite Award

For published work of particular merit in the field of composites.

Cook/Ablett Award

For published work of particular merit in the field of metals.

Douglas Hay Medal

For the best paper published in IMM Transactions A: Mining Technology. Based on recommendations received from the Transactions editorial boards. Medal to lead author and certificate to each author.

Alan Glanvill Award

For published work in an Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining journal of particular merit in the field of polymers.

Mann Redmayne Medal

To a member of IOM3 or AusIMM for the best paper published in IMM Transactions – (A) Mining Technology, (B) Applied Earth Science, or (C) Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy. The medal and certificate will be presented to the first author with preference to research students or those in the early part of their industry career. A certificate will be provided to all other authors. The award is supported jointly with AusIMM.

Materials World Medal

An annual award to recognise an important feature or review published during the year within the Institute’s member magazines. Nominations proposed from the magazine group and membership to be reviewed by the Awards Committee. Medal to lead author and certificate to each author.

Adrian Normanton Medal

For the best technical paper on the topic of steelmaking, or casting published in Ironmaking and Steelmaking.

Pfeil Award

For published work of particular merit in the field of ceramics.

STWJ Best Paper Award

This prize is awarded to recognise the paper published in the IOM3 peer-reviewed Science and Technology of Welding and Joining journal, that makes the greatest contribution to the field of welding and joining. The winning paper is selected by the journal editors based on the originality of the research, contribution to the science or technology of welding and joining and the quality of the article. Entry is automatic upon publication in the journal. The award is sponsored by TWI. Authors receive a joint award of £500, a certificate and a one-year subscription to the journal.

James S Walker Award

For a student project, already examined, on the subject of polymers.

Williams Award

For a paper of particular merit concerned with the manufacture and use of iron and steel.

Awards associated with The Institute but with selection made by outside bodies

The following Institute Awards are also made, but are not included in the selection procedure apart from requiring Council approval.

Charles Hatchett Award

For the best paper on the science and technology of niobium and its alloys. Sponsored by Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineracao (CBMM) and is selected by the Charles Hatchett Award International Panel. For more information visit the Charles Hatchett Award website.

Vanadium Award

For the most outstanding paper in the metallurgy and technology of vanadium and its alloys. Sponsored and selected by the Vanadium International Technical Committee (Vanitec).

Other awards involving IOM3

Beilby Medal and Prize

This award is made annually in recognition of a significant contribution to chemical engineering, applied materials science or energy efficiency, with preference given to candidates under 40 years of age. The 2014 Beilby Medal and Prize was awarded to Professor Javier Pérez-Ramírez.More details of 2014 winner and past winners

The selection process for the 2015 Beilby Medal and Prize winner was administered by IOM3.

Acta Student Award

Acta, a non-profit organisation of which IOM3 is a co-operating society, has established the Acta Student Award which provides prizes to candidates whose work has been published in an Acta journal (Acta Materialia, Scripta Materialia or Acta Biomaterialia). In order to qualify, candidates must have been graduate students when their work was undertaken.

Nominations based on manuscripts published during the calendar year must be submitted before 31 March the following year. For example, a paper published in 2015 should be put forward by the end of March 2016.

Kelvin Medal

This prize is presented triennially to recognise distinction in the application of science to engineering. The Award Committee comprises the Chief Executives of the major engineering institutes, including IOM3.